The score is calculated on the basis of 5 criteria, each weighing 2 points: the availability of device repair manuals, the ease of disassembly of the device and the tools necessary to do so, the availability of spare parts, the price of spare parts, compared to the price of a new device and a different criterion depending on the device category. For example, for vacuum cleaners and high pressure cleaners, this is the possibility of having free distance assistance.
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“A high score therefore does not necessarily mean that the product is easily repairable”
If the manufacturers have understood the importance of this score (already in force in France since 2021) and have changed the composition and manufacture of their devices, it is sometimes still insufficient, tips for testache. In addition, the scores are calculated by the manufacturers themselves. The latter seem to be particularly positive in the evaluation of their own devices, which results in higher scores than when they are established by an independent organization.
“A high score therefore does not necessarily mean that the product is easily repairable”warns Julie Frère, spokesperson for Testachats. “”For example, Apple’s latest MacBook Air obtains a score of 6.8 out of 10, while it is not particularly famous for its repairability, on the contrary. In addition, the index does not give us information on the longevity of a product. A dishwasher with a weak score could work very well for 20 years. Overall, we are satisfied with the existence of this repairability index, but its development should be refined in the years to come “she concludes.
